Pamela Castleberry : “Redding man faces death penalty in triple homicide”

Accident – Death – Obituary News : : 1. Redding triple homicide death penalty case
2. Redding man charged with murder SEO

The Redding man accused of killing three people in Shasta County could potentially face the death penalty, as per the district attorney’s office. Senior Deputy District Attorney Kelly Kafel revealed that the decision to pursue the death penalty against Michael Todd Merryman, 33, is still pending. The victims, two women, and a man were found dead on separate occasions in April and May. While California Governor Gavin Newsom halted executions in 2019, defendants can still receive the death penalty. Merryman faces multiple charges, including first-degree murder and arson. Detectives linked Merryman to the killings through evidence, leading to his arrest.

Redding Man Faces Death Penalty for Alleged Triple Homicide

A Redding man, Michael Todd Merryman, 33, is facing the possibility of the death penalty after being charged with killing three people in Shasta County. The district attorney’s office is considering seeking the death penalty against Merryman for allegedly murdering two women and a man. The bodies of the victims were discovered on separate dates, with one woman found on April 30 and the other woman and man found on May 6.

Investigation and Legal Proceedings

Authorities have not disclosed whether the victims were related or connected in any way. While California Governor Gavin Newsom implemented a moratorium on executions in 2019, criminal defendants can still be sentenced to death. Senior Deputy District Attorney Kelly Kafel, who has been with the DA’s office for 26 years, expressed the rarity of a case involving the alleged killing of three individuals in Shasta County.

Merryman faces multiple charges including three counts of first-degree murder, arson, burglary, causing great bodily injury using a firearm, vehicle theft, and stealing a dog. Initially scheduled for arraignment on May 24, Merryman did not appear in court due to health issues. The arraignment has been rescheduled for a later date by Judge Adam Ryan.

Discovery of the Victims

The tragic series of events began on April 30 when deputies responded to a home on Riverview Drive in Lakehead to check on 75-year-old Pamela Castleberry. Her residence showed signs of a burglary, and she was reported missing along with her vehicle. Castleberry was discovered deceased inside her vehicle on May 1 in a remote area of Bella Vista.

An autopsy confirmed Castleberry’s death as a homicide, and a week later, on May 6, two more bodies were found in the same area. The victims were identified as Cynthia Duran, 41, and Louis Sanchez, 48, both of whom had also been murdered. Officials determined their causes of death as homicides.

Authorities later revealed that Merryman was linked to the three deaths through evidence gathered during the investigation. Merryman, who had an outstanding warrant for parole violation, was involved in a vehicle accident in Oak Run on May 13 and subsequently hospitalized in Redding. Detectives arrested him at the hospital, and he was held without bail following a court order.

For any tips or information regarding this case, reporter Damon Arthur can be reached at 530-338-8834 or via email at damon.arthur@redding.com. Stay updated on local journalism by subscribing today!